Earth-2

With Power Girl and the Huntress returned to their own Earth, and the latest issue of Worlds’ Finest turning its attention away from the heroines, I decided I’d give Earth-2 a shot. Despite the fact it concerns a dystopian world still fighting armies of Apokolips, I was pleasantly surprised in this character-driven story centered on the relationships of Kara, Helena, Thomas Wayne, Red Tornado, and Val-Zod. Whether intentional or not, the current feel of Earth 2 (with a black Superman, elderly Batman, and robotic Lois Lane) feels more like the early days of Marvel’s Ultimate line than the New 52.

Carrying on the tradition of Worlds’ Finest, Earth 2 #27 has multiple artists splitting the work. Thankfully, the art meshes reasonably well in telling to story of the foursome’s battle against an army of demons while focusing on reunions none of them ever expected. Once returned to their own Earth I had planned to turn my attentions elsewhere, but despite being stuck in a world I care little about this issue tempts me to continue sticking with Helena and Kara’s adventures… at least for a little while longer. Worth a look.

I like Earth-2. I like James Robinson. I love the art of Nicola Scott. And to be honest, even with the odd costume designs for the characters (really, did they have to get New 52‘d too?), I liked aspects of this first issue. What’s troubling me is that everything I enjoyed in this issue is the set-up and the characters who won’t be appearing in the rest of the series.

The story opens with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Robin (Helena Wayne), battling an army of Parademons who have overrun the Earth, slayed the Amazons, and killed millions. It’s unclear, in what we’re shown, if these are the only five heroes on the planet, or if all the heroes are dead (or have yet to be born).

Although Batman’s plan to save the world from Darkseid‘s minions is a success, the cost is high. Earth-2’s big three all fall and Supergirl and Robin find themselves sent into a parallel Earth. This part of the story works well enough; my problem begins with the last few pages as Robinson and Scott begin introducing the heroes who will showcased in the comic going forward.